Quesitons about sweet wines.

[curious]

you are not alone in coming here with a total lack of knowledge about wine. Yours truly is still at a loss [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img] .
Ask away your questions you will find many here who can help you. However, what I have found very helpful here is the archives. Just type in your topic and you will find a slew of answers.

I have had the same problem in the alcohol taste, but I have found that in sparkling wines, it is less overpowering. I can enjoy a glass of bubbly, and am trusting that I will find others types that I will enjoy as much.
As to your other question of different brands, our (hubby and I) one of our first wines was a zin from Sutter's, and we hated it. Tried later on a zin from Gallio, and it was acceptable for me, he really enjoyed it.

Keep exploring, and have fun.
Janette